Clinic for Special Children

Clinic for Special Children is a specialized medical facility dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and research of genetic and complex medical conditions in children. Located in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, the clinic is renowned for its innovative approach to pediatric healthcare, particularly in serving Amish and Mennonite communities, which are known for having high incidences of certain genetic disorders due to population isolation and intermarriage.

History

The Clinic for Special Children was founded in 1989 by Dr. D. Holmes Morton and his wife, Caroline Morton. The establishment of the clinic was motivated by the need for specialized care for children with genetic disorders within the Amish and Mennonite communities in Lancaster County. Dr. Morton, a Harvard-trained physician, was moved by the unique healthcare challenges faced by these communities and sought to provide a dedicated facility that could offer advanced diagnostic and treatment services tailored to their needs.

Mission and Vision

The clinic's mission is to provide comprehensive medical care, diagnostic services, and advanced treatment options for children with genetic and complex disorders. It aims to integrate clinical care with laboratory research to improve patient outcomes and advance the understanding of genetic diseases. The vision of the Clinic for Special Children is to serve as a model for personalized medicine, demonstrating how targeted care and research can improve the lives of those with rare and complex conditions.

Services Offered

The Clinic for Special Children offers a range of services tailored to the needs of its patients, including:

• Genetic testing and diagnosis
• Personalized treatment plans
• Nutritional counseling
• Physical therapy
• Educational resources for families
• Research programs focused on genetic disorders

Research and Innovations

The clinic is at the forefront of research in genetic medicine, particularly in the study of disorders prevalent in the Amish and Mennonite populations. Its research efforts are aimed at understanding the genetic basis of these conditions, developing new diagnostic methods, and finding effective treatments. The Clinic for Special Children has been instrumental in identifying several genetic mutations responsible for disorders in the communities it serves, leading to improved screening and prevention strategies.

Community Impact

The Clinic for Special Children has had a profound impact on the communities it serves. By providing accessible, specialized care, the clinic has improved the quality of life for many children and their families. Its focus on community-based healthcare and preventive medicine has also led to significant reductions in the incidence of genetic disorders within the Amish and Mennonite populations.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its successes, the Clinic for Special Children faces ongoing challenges, including funding research and treatment for rare genetic disorders, which often lack the attention and resources of more common conditions. Looking forward, the clinic aims to expand its services, further integrate clinical care with research, and continue its outreach to underserved populations.

See Also

• Pediatric medicine
• Genetic disorder
• Amish
• Mennonite
• Personalized medicine